The opening of the North East?s flagship arts centre, Baltic, has been delayed due problems with building work. It is now due to open in summer 2002, not spring as originally intended.
Scottish Arts Council is undertaking a comprehensive review of its internal procedures and funding processes and is inviting users of its services to contribute to the review by completing a short questionnaire, which will be on its consultants? website until January 18. w: http://www.deloitte.co.uk/sac
The Arts Sponsorship category of the Hollis Sponsorship Awards, which reward creativity, innovation and effectiveness, is being supported by Arts & Business. The awards are open to all, but campaigns must be able to demonstrate concrete, proven results against stated objectives. Deadline for applications is February 15. Contact Helen Evans t: 020 8977 7711.
University College Worcester?s Collar & Tie theatre group is to explore potential fusions between digital video and theatre, and is calling for expressions of interest from potential contributors to a website which will dramatise the world?s news ?as it happens?. e: candt@worc.ac.uk w: http://www.livingnewspaper.com
WebPlay, a project using the Internet to link Year 4 pupils in London with their Primary School counterparts in Los Angeles, has used theatre and playwriting as the framework for literacy, technology and citizenship skills development, as well as for cross-cultural exchange. A pilot summary report is available at w: http://www.webplay.org
marketing:arts is inviting arts organisations to submit news, information and events listings to two new websites, designed to become an all encompassing information service for artists and arts workers in the West Midlands. Contribute at w: http://www.artsnet.org.uk
A £25,000 a year grant from West Midlands Arts is to enable Disability Arts in Shropshire to open new premises in Shrewsbury with an arts workshop, studio and rehearsal space.
The city of Cardiff is preparing its bid for European Capital of Culture 2008, which will include arts activity and projects across Wales. For details, w: http://www.cardiff2008.co.uk
The final reports from the Arts Ambassadors Unit and Family Friendly programme have been produced by Arts About Manchester, aiming to share the insights gained into the practicalities of audience development in these markets. Contact Arts About Manchester t: 0161 238 4500 e: intray@aam.org.uk
London Arts has published its Disability Action Plan, which sets out the concerns and aspirations of the Capital?s disabled people involved in the arts, and aims to help arts organisations identify issues that need to be addressed.
Consultants Bonnar Keenlyside have been commissioned by the Scottish Arts Council to conduct a review of youth theatre in Scotland. This will involve a mapping exercise of existing provision and a report on current practice and issues faced by the youth sector. Contact Angela Hogg, Drama Officer t: 0131 240 2464
Barbour the outdoor clothing manufacturer based on Tyneside, has given £1m to Music Centre Gateshead, currently being built on the south bank of the Tyne. The gift will form part of an endowment being built and managed by the Community Foundation serving Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, to support all aspects of Music Centre Gateshead's work in the region.